Call for Proposals to Assess Pollution from Manufacturing Companies

Call for Proposals to Assess Pollution from Manufacturing Companies

1.   BACKGROUND

The Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) is implementing the Voices for Climate Justice: Empowering Malawi’s Vulnerable Communities for a Resilient and Just Future project together with the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) supported by the Embassy of Ireland through the Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurch Aid (NCA-DCA). The overall goal is to enhance climate and environmental justice for vulnerable communities in Malawi by strengthening local advocacy and accountability mechanisms. Specifically, the project will empower faith actors and community groups on environmental and climate justice advocacy and ensure duty bearers are accountable and responsive to faith-led advocacy initiatives on environmental and climate justice.

Industrial pollution from manufacturing companies poses significant environmental and health risks to communities in Malawi. Many manufacturing facilities, including those in food processing, beverage production, textile manufacturing, chemical processing, and other industries, discharge pollutants into the air, water, and soil. These pollution activities disproportionately affect vulnerable communities living near industrial areas, leading to health problems, loss of livelihoods, and environmental degradation.

Despite existing environmental regulations and the Environmental Management Act (2017), enforcement remains weak, and many companies operate without adequate pollution control measures. Communities affected by industrial pollution often lack information about their rights and face challenges in seeking redress.

This assessment will  identify manufacturing companies operating within the project areas, assess their operations for  possible and actual pollution activities, document their environmental impacts, review their environmental management plans, map affected populations, and provide evidence to support community-led advocacy for environmental justice and corporate accountability.

2.   OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Main Objective:

To conduct a comprehensive assessment of manufacturing companies in target districts to identify pollution activities, assess environmental and health impacts, and map affected populations.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify and profile manufacturing companies operating in target districts of the project (Zomba and Mangochi) that are potential sources of pollution
• Identify actual pollution activities and assess the types and extent of pollution from industrial operations
• Evaluate compliance with environmental regulations and permit conditions
• Document environmental impacts on surrounding communities
• Assess community awareness and capacity to demand environmental justice
• Develop recommendations for advocacy, regulatory enforcement, and community empowerment

3.   DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• Inception report with methodology, work plan, and target sites/companies
• Draft assessment report inclusive of company profiles with pollution assessment and affected populations with GIS maps
• Final assessment report incorporating feedback with case studies
• Advocacy strategy document with recommendations
• Photo documentation and case study compilation
• Policy brief

4.   DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The assignment is expected to be completed within 15 days from the date of contract signing.

5.   CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, or related field
• Additional qualifications in community development or environmental justice will be an advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in environmental assessment, pollution monitoring, or industrial environmental compliance
• Proven experience in conducting environmental impact assessments and pollution studies
• Strong knowledge of Malawi’s environmental regulations and industrial sector
• Experience in participatory community research methods
• Experience in environmental sampling and basic water/air quality assessment
• Strong analytical and report writing skills
• Excellent communication and community engagement skills

6.   APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested consultants should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter expressing interest and suitability for the assignment
• Current curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience
• Technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and target sites
• Financial proposal

7.   SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

All applications should be submitted electronically

The Internal Procurement and Assets Disposal Committee

Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA)

P.O. Box 1057, Blantyre, Malawi

E-mail: info@cepa.org.mw

Deadline for submission: 5 March 2026

Subject line: Application for Consultancy – Pollution Assessment